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Transport, police and government chiefs are urging everyone to remain indoors and avoid driving at all costs, unless it is absolutely necessary.

However anyone who does find themselves unavoidably having to attempt to drive during this period is being reminded of some vital points, including “remaining in vehicles” and not abandoning them when stranded until help arrives in order to avoid further disruption and to assist emergency services.

(Image: Alasdair Woodburn)

Superintendent Helen Harrison said: “The advice is to avoid travelling on the roads.

“We have been working with partners to keep roads moving throughout the night, with a particular focus on the M80 which was blocked for rush hour and much of the evening.

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“At its height there were an estimated 1,000 vehicles at a standstill, with tailbacks of approximately eight miles both North and South bound.

“Thanks to the huge effort by emergency responders and volunteer agencies contact was made with drivers and their passengers to check on their welfare and to distribute water and snacks whilst clearing a path for gritters to make the road surface passable.

“It was frustrating for those caught up in the delays and we would thank people for their patience as we responded to the situation. We would encourage people to follow the advice not to travel in the affected areas, to avoid any similar situations developing today.”

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She added: “We are now 24 hours into the red and amber-related advice not to travel on the roads and rush hour last night was noticeably less busy thanks to people heeding our message. It remains the same this rush hour coming – do not travel.

“Many of those people who did go out yesterday faced treacherous conditions, blocked roads, being stuck in their vehicles or even being involved in collisions.

“We do not want anyone to put themselves or others at risk in these conditions.

“We are continuing to run a multi-agency command centre at Bilston to coordinate the emergency response to the severe weather with our partners and keep Scotland moving as best we can.